South Yorkshire Police launch new portal to help victims of crime receive updates on cases
South Yorkshire Police has introduced a new system to help victims of crime keep up to date with the progress of their cases.
Next Tuesday (January 20), the local force will introduce the National My Police Portal (NMPP), with hopes of making it easier for victimes to contact officers about crimes they have reported.
Developed by the NPCC (National Police Chiefs' Council), South Yorkshire Police will be the first force in the country to launch the service.
The portal will encompass 19 crime types including burglary, fraud, violence with injury, theft, arson, and robbery, when it launches.
Currently, those seeking updates on their case have to call 101, a non-emergency service introduced back in 2012.
South Yorkshire Police receive around 40,000 calls to the 101 number each month, and hope that this new digital service will relieve pressure on the system.
From January 20, when a victim reports an eligible crime, they will be sent an email or text invitation to the Gov.UK One website.
Once logged in, they will be directed to the portal home page, which will look like part of the South Yorkshire Police website.
Victims will be able to send messages to the officer in charge of their case. Officers will be notified when a message is sent and will be reply to victims in a timely manner.
For those who reported a crime prior to the launch of the portal, an invite to join the portal will be sent out when their case is next updated.
Chief Superintendent Cherie Buttle said: “We are very excited to launch the National My Police Portal next week, and I am proud that we are the first force in the country to make use of this system.
“The portal will help us to support victims of crime, ensuring that they have direct contact with the officer in charge of their case, and receive the best service we can provide.
“The portal will also help reduce demand on the Force Control Room, where we receive more than 40,000 calls (101) each month.
“As victims of crime will no longer need to call 101 to ask for updates in most cases, this will free our call handlers to deal with crime reports.”